During the summer monsoon season, rain can be a daily occurrence. Unfortunately, after 2024’s South Fork and Salt Fires, the burn scars have made our rainy season particularly difficult with flash flooding in certain areas of the village. Luckily, most of the places you know and love in Ruidoso are either untouched by the flooding or carefully managing the weather with preparedness. Here’s how you can enjoy Ruidoso by staying aware, alert, and safe during a weather event.
Monsoon Season
Ruidoso experiences additional rainfall from June through September – it’s what helps make Ruidoso so beautiful during the summer! However, these summer storms can be intense with concentrated rainfall, resulting in flash flooding, road closures, and dangerous conditions along low lying areas, rivers, and streams. Storms often occur in the afternoon and evening hours with heavy showers and lightning.
Weather Awareness
When it rains above the burn scars, the water often causes flooding in certain areas. Flash flooding, as evidenced in the name, can occur suddenly and without warning. Even though rivers and low lying areas may have dry weather overhead, floodwaters can approach quickly from the mountain above, catching people off guard.
Staying aware of the weather is an essential safety precaution when visiting the village during the summer. Monitor local weather on your phone or official social media accounts for the village and National Weather Service while you’re in Ruidoso. Most importantly, if you see water across a road, never try to walk or drive across it, as water can be deceptively deep and fast moving. Remember, “turn around, don’t drown!”
Ruidoso Alerts
The Village of Ruidoso has put together a collection of excellent resources so visitors can be prepared and aware while enjoying their trip.
Sign Up for Call Me Ruidoso – Emergency Alerts via Alert Sense. When minutes matter, you’ll get real-time emergency notifications by text, email, or phone including flash flood warnings, evacuation notices, and shelter info. Sign up at www.callmeruidoso.com
RAIN – Ruidoso Alerts Information Network – The village’s official all-hazards website gives you the full picture. See flood-prone areas, road closures, NWS flood watches, warnings, and emergencies, and find shelters, points of distribution, and other emergency info and updates. Find it all at www.ruidoso-nm.gov/emergency-information
Social Media – Follow the Village of Ruidoso’s Facebook, X and YouTube channels for real-time weather updates and safety advisories from the Village of Ruidoso Office of Emergency Management.
Finally, ensure your phone is updated and able to receive critical alerts during a weather event. Real time safety information could save your life during an emergency. Make sure your phone is set up to receive alerts with this step-by-step guide.
Safety Information
The Village of Ruidoso maintains a live, interactive map that tracks current low-water crossing statuses, road closures, and flood zones. Bookmark this map and consult it before driving, especially after heavy rainfall.
Link here: https://ruidoso.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/076bdc31ba914fa8a729466a1b62115c
Review traveler & visitor safety tips
Before You Head Out:
- Check the interactive map for crossings and closures.
- Monitor local weather—thunderstorms can form rapidly.
- Share your travel plan with someone, including estimated return time.
During Your Trip:
- Never drive through flooded roads — just 6 inches of fast-moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
- Avoid low-water crossings and canyon routes shortly after rain.
If Flooding Occurs:
- Seek high ground immediately—water levels can rise fast.
- Dial 911 for emergencies.
- Listen for emergency alerts via local media or NOAA Radio.
Know the difference between a watch, warning, and emergency
- WATCH – “Be Ready”
- Conditions are favorable for flash flooding. Stay alert, monitor the forecast, and prepare to act if necessary.
- WARNING – “Take Action”
- Flash flooding is occurring or is imminent. Move to higher ground and follow local emergency guidance.
- EMERGENCY – “Act Now”
- Severe, life-threatening flash flooding is happening. This is rare and extremely dangerous. Take immediate action to protect your life—evacuate or shelter in place as directed.
Plan ahead
- Plan Ahead
- Check whether your home, business, or travel route is located in a flood-prone area by viewing the updated floodplain map.
- Prepare a Go-Kit
- When flash flooding strikes, you may need to leave quickly or shelter in place without power. A well-stocked Go-Kit ensures that you have what you need to stay safe, informed, and comfortable during an emergency. To learn how to build a Go-Kit, visit: www.ready.gov/kit
- Create a Communication Plan
- During emergencies, cell networks can become overloaded or fail. Having a plan helps you stay connected with loved ones when it matters most.
Thank you to the Village of Ruidoso for their tireless efforts to keep our villagers and visitors safe with this important information. Visit ruidoso-nm.gov for more information about monsoon season safety.
